When Zack Moss went down with a neck injury early in the 2024 season, the Cincinnati Bengals got a surprise breakout from second-year running back Chase Brown. After being a fifth-round pick of the Bengals in 2023, Brown made a big impact in his second season in the NFL, totaling 990 rushing yards, 360 receiving yards, and 12 combined touchdowns.
After making multiple moves to add to the running back room in both free agency and this year’s draft, here’s a look at the Bengals running back depth chart heading into training camp.
Chase Brown
2024 stats: 990 rushing yards, 360 receiving yards, and 12 combined touchdowns
After receiving just 14 combined carries in the first three weeks, Brown saw an increase in playing time starting in Week 4, and made the most of it throughout the season. Establishing himself as a dual-threat back for Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense, Brown’s versatility was a valuable weapon for the Bengals until he went out in Week 17 with a right ankle sprain that would force him to miss the regular season finale. Earning his role as a starter coming into the 2025 season, Brown should be fully healthy and ready to thrive in his third season.
Zack Moss: 242 rushing yards, 187 receiving yards, 3 combined touchdowns
Moss was signed in free agency prior to the 2024 season to be the starter for Cincinnati, but would be limited to just eight games in his first year with the team due to a neck injury. The 27-year old back is likely now slated to be the backup behind Brown in what is his final year on his contract with the team.
Samaje Perine
2024 stats (Chiefs): 92 rushing yards, 322 receiving yards, and 2 combined touchdowns
Back in Cincinnati for his third stint with the organization, Perine brings more veteran depth behind Brown and Moss, and is a receiving threat out of the backfield. Perine can also serve as a mentor for the team’s sixth-round rookie Tahj Brooks who the team selected in this year’s draft.
Tahj Brooks
2024 stats: N/A
Last season with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Brooks rushed for 1,505 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding 199 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Brooks does not have the best breakaway speed, but he has the ability to make quick cuts and runs with power. A very capable and effective receiving threat, Brooks is likely to benefit from the presence of Perine and his mentorship.
Gary Brightwell
2024 stats: N/A
Signed to the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad in the middle of last season, Brightwell has been with four different teams including the Bengals during his time in the league. He signed a futures/reserve contract in January of this year, and is more than likely to be on the practice squad once again this year.
